Margaret - Chapter 2

As I continued to walk alone down the winding hall, a conference room lined with suits, ties, and overpriced perfumes filled the seats within it. It seemed that the rush to get in helped many of the early runners get seats in the front, while the slackers ended up filling the back. I slid through the narrow opening within the door frame and positioned myself close to the exit, standing against the wall–last in, first out as they’d say.

Multiple people began to discuss what this meeting could be about. Topics such as layoffs, pay raises, and cuts came into conversation. Some even suggested that we’d be bought into a larger company. Discussion was diverse, but I had no intention of indulging in such conversation. Though hearing all of the possibilities did intrigue my curious mind.

The bickering continued until individuals opened the door, their attire pristine and clean to the touch. It was as if they were handcrafted to be businesspeople. Their walks commanded respect and attention, seeing with every step they took, the eyes of the room followed closely. They soon reached the front of the conference room and stood next to the vacant podium in the center. Some whispers went through the crowd, wondering just who these individuals may have been. A beautiful stout woman and a seemingly stiff, lanky man stood firmly.

“Hello, everyone. Glad you all could make it to the meeting on time. We love to see dedicated workers, doing their part and making things easier for the rest of us.” The stout woman started, her voice chipper and energetic. She smiled widely, showing off her dimples and proud glow. This entranced the crowd as they stared intently at her, making sure not to miss a word of what she could be waiting to tell us. “We’ve brought you here for a special announcement. We hope you don’t mind us taking up your time.”

“Not at all!”

“You’re completely fine, ma’am!”

“We’re ready whenever you are!”

The voices cheered, seeing the kind woman’s request as an opportunity to be seen in a good light from their responses. This was the daily occurrence in full effect. I crossed my arms, slightly slouching against the wall. There were many things I could be doing other than sitting here, wasting away my time on my assignments for the day. If I had to step away from my work, it’d better be worth it. The door next to me suddenly burst open, causing nearly half of the room to jump out of surprise, me included. A taller woman said, waltzing through the room with authority. “Seems like everyone is here! That’s great!” she said, swinging her arms happily, as she walked up to the once vacant podium.

As she approached the podium, she cleared her throat abruptly and put on a smile. “I’m excited to tell you all of the news that’s come to our humble office. As your boss, I, Alice Bellsburg, would like to offer you all my congratulations! We have been selected for a very special opportunity thanks to the two individuals standing next to me today! Isn’t that great? Give them applause!”

The crowd erupted once more, feeling as if their answers were finally going to be answered. The cheers continued as I looked away from the podium. Alice has been my boss since I arrived at this company. Her looming command of the office was something to be feared, as she’d ruled over us with an iron fist. She cared so deeply about our workplace's reputation and appearance in the eyes of her peers that she’d lay off anyone who opposed her way of doing things, or, on the other hand, make her look bad. Most would just follow her requests and fall under pressure in making sure their jobs were secure by following such things. I made sure to stay out of the way and keep myself busy, so I never had to deal with such circumstances when it comes to her.

The applause died down as Alice continued to explain what the meeting was called for. “Today, we have been given the great opportunity to create a new brand idea for Melodic Healing Inc’s main board! Each one of you on the creative team will be allowed to show what great ideas press around in your minds, to be considered for our next big product!” Alice let off a gracious smile as chatter began amongst the crowd once more. This time, with such implications as having a product created by their company.

“Whoa, that’s a big deal, isn’t it!?”

“The chance to have our product…”

“Chosen to be created!?”

A vast array of emotions and cheers came about after the proclamation from the boss, seemingly raising morale even higher. Even if this business felt it was ruled by fear at times, that type of announcement would get anyone out of their seats. I caught myself sitting upright on the wall, thinking of the possibilities. “Is this it? Finally, the opportunity I’d been looking forward to…it’s finally coming around!” I thought, as she continued.

“We will give you 2 weeks to come up with a brand-new idea to bring to the table. This will not only give you the chance to make a product that we will create and make a prominent seller, but also the chance to join the main creative board, alongside our two guests here! Our father company would love to take a young, diligent, and brilliant mind to their force, so don’t waste time.” Alice let a wide smile plant on her face as the crowd's banter only grew. I couldn’t contain myself at the prospect of such an opportunity.

“I’d been working here for 5 years…finally a shot to do something big, just you wait and see!” I said, gripping my hand into a fist amidst the chaos. After grueling for years doing meaningless paperwork, favors you don’t want to offer, and long, deadly work hours. Anyone would want out, but no. This is what I’ve been waiting for!

Alice continued, “Oh! And one more thing, it’d be recommended to work with a partner or a team, as this would spread many ideas to help cultivate a great basis to work with! So don’t be afraid to partner up!” She clasped her hands together, happily revealing this information. The workers began to discuss with one another, realizing that their odds are only better working together. This wasn’t very exciting for me, as I’d prefer to work purely alone. Like before, I’m someone who would rather work on my own. Who needs help? Not me, that’s for sure.